(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill to exit U.S. cattle feeding business

Chicago | Reuters — Cargill said on Wednesday it will exit the business of feeding cattle to direct capital toward other investments, the latest transformation for the global commodity trader. Minnesota-based Cargill struck a deal to sell its last two feed yards to ethanol producer Green Plains for US$36.7 million, after selling other feedyards to […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle continue upward trend

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3-$5 above week-ago levels with higher-quality cattle as much as $8 higher. Once again, stronger fed cattle prices and healthy feedlot margins were the main factors driving the market, especially in the heavier weight categories. Feedlots have liquidated a larger amount of fed cattle over the few weeks and […] Read more

(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Feed market awaits influx of spring-threshed grains

CNS Canada — As spring slowly approaches, western Canadian feed dealers are warily eyeing the amount of grain that may be left over on Prairie fields. “There’s a bit of concern about how much spring-threshed grain we may see here in the next few weeks,” said Allan Pirness of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. “That’s […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Healthy margins drive feeder complex

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 higher compared to week-ago levels. Buyers were quite meticulous on flesh levels and quality features in the heavier weight categories; however, feedlot operators were definitely more aggressive this week. Major operations have liquidated a fair amount of fed cattle and these players are anxious to reload […] Read more





(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Low-quality feed being dumped on market

CNS Canada — Prices for feed barley and wheat don’t appear ready to spike anytime soon, as farmers across Western Canada continue to dump supplies containing high concentrations of vomitoxin and fusarium into feedlots. “Steady as it goes here is the tone,” said Allan Pirness of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. “We’re looking to clean […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market starts new year on firm tone

February live cattle futures reached six-month highs during the last week of 2016, which quickly spilled over into western Canadian feeder cattle markets. While most auction barns were closed for the holiday season, there was some direct off-farm-to-feedlot movement. Limited sales were reported, but values were $2-$6 higher compared to the third week of December. […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feedlots sought to take in TB-quarantined cattle

Prairie cattle producers whose herds are stuck under federal quarantine while officials trace out cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) could soon have a option to house animals at an approved feedlot. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Friday said it is working with beef cattle industry representatives to find one or more feedlots where it […] Read more